HEALTH WATCH: 50 days to discover wonder drug for a better life

A WORLDWIDE drive to encourage people to commit to a prescription for better physical and mental health was launched last weekend, and could be the “wonder drug” for healthy living that we are all searching for.

The 5X50 Challenge, which began as a Scottish charity, kicked off its 50 Days To Fit campaign, which aims to get people of all ages in as many countries as possible to pledge themselves to 30 minutes of exercise every day for 50 consecutive days.

The 5×50 Challenge not only endeavors to change exercise habits for a lifetime but it has also set a target of raising $750,000 for charity.
This is the third year that the Challenge has set out to attract the attention of people – from school pupils to workers to stay-at-home mums and dads– to sign up and enjoy the lasting legacy of a commitment to improving fitness and well-being.
This year’s 50 Days To Fit started on Sunday March 30 and runs until May 18, but you can start today.
For individuals, regular physical activity helps to prevent and manage more than 20 chronic illnesses, including heart disease, obesity, strokes and mental health conditions. For companies, inactivity among employees can lead to an increase in costs in terms of sickness absence and inefficiency.
Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England, who is a supporter, says: “I believe that if physical activity was a drug it would be classed as a wonder drug, which is why I would encourage everyone to get up and be active. “Being active and doing the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week for adults is not just good for your physical health but also your mental health.
5×50 started out in 2012 as a challenge to people from all walks of life to get fitter and healthier, physically and mentally, by taking part in a 5 kilometre run, jog or walk every day for 50 consecutive days, hence the name.
Since then, it has developed and broadened its appeal, and now 5×50 participants can sign up by committing themselves to 30 minutes of exercise every day for 50 days, which means those involved in a host of other activities (such as swimmers, canoeists and climbers) can take part.
For most people, the easiest and most acceptable forms of physical activity are those incorporated into everyday life. Walking and cycling are perhaps the most obvious. Research demonstrates that habits are formed after 21 days, so with the challenge running over 50 days, this will make it much easier for participants to continue beyond the end of the challenge into a new way of life.
The health benefits of being active have been known since the 1950s, when a study compared bus drivers with more physically active bus conductors and office-based telephonists with postmen and demonstrated lower rates of heart disease and smaller uniform sizes in the more active occupations.